Sheet of Studies with a Tree and the Upper Part of Rembrandt’s Head in a Velvet Cap

"Sheet of Studies with a Tree and the Upper Part of Rembrandt’s Head in a Velvet Cap" is a remarkable 1644 print by Rembrandt van Rijn, executed on paper. This work serves as an intimate record of the artist’s multifaceted practice, combining self-study and observations of the natural world within a single composition. The primary focus is divided between a detailed study of a tree trunk and branches, rendered with characteristic texture, and a highly recognizable self-portrait fragment: the upper portion of Rijn's head, typically wearing the distinctive velvet cap seen in many of his formal self-portraits.

Such fragmented self-depictions allowed the artist to experiment freely with expression and the effects of lighting without committing to a full, formal self-portrait, thus functioning as crucial preparatory material or standalone observations. As a "sheet of studies," this piece provides direct insight into the Dutch master’s iterative process, demonstrating how Rijn utilized the reproducible print medium not just for finished works but also for exploratory drafts and resource conservation. The combination of disparate subjects—one botanical, one human—on the same sheet is typical of Rijn’s economical and practical approach to using expensive paper in the mid-17th century Netherlands. The subtle handling of light and shadow, evident even in this small, fragmentary work, reveals his enduring command of dramatic chiaroscuro. This piece belongs to a vital period in the artist's production of prints and is maintained in the prestigious collection of the Rijksmuseum, serving as a crucial reference point for scholars studying Rijn’s technical innovation on paper.